34 ‘Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; TAKE YOUR INHERITANCE, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”. Matthew 25
Chapter 25 is the end of Jesus’ teachings in Matthew’s Gospel, after that He moves on towards the cross and His sacrifice for mankind. He gives three teachings in this chapter and they all reach a defining moment , when the Lord appears. They also focus upon the deeds of those involved and how their deeds determine their destiny.
The first parable, which we touched on yesterday, dealt with the ten virgins waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five of them were called wise (Five is the number of Grace and we all need Grace from God) because they had brought additional oil and the others were declared foolish, as they had no reserves of oil. Both were prone to drowsiness, but the wise rose up and greeted the bridegroom when He arrived.
10 ‘But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut’. Matthew 25
That moment when the wait is over and we will all stand before the Lord!
The second is the parable of the talents, given in differing amounts to three servants. Likewise, we’ve all received different talents, some greater than others. The tragedy of the one talent servant was that he didn’t try to DO ANYTHING with his talent. How many ‘one talent servants’ are in this position today, not using anything they have for the good of the Kingdom here and now. Look for opportunities to serve and do something for the Lord and His people, He gave up everything for us.
28 “So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance”.
The third and final parable is very shocking because of its finality, the ultimate separation of all people into two categories, SHEEP OR GOATS (Only two categories!) This distinction will come when the Lord sits on His judgement throne and all mankind passes before Him. The determining factor will be our treatment of others, especially those who belong to the Lord.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
40 ‘The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, YOU DID FOR ME.” Matthew 25
Once again those who didn’t help others in need are placed on the Lord’s left hand. There are only two destinations, no middle ground for any of us. We must be sure to live as the Lord’s now in order that we can ENTER INTO OUR INHERITANCE IN ETERNITY.
The summary of Jesus final words of teaching recorded in Matthew 25. Stay vigilant, use what’s been given you and care for the needy, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. You’ll be glad you did when the Lord appears.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.